Esther Maasdam

Esther Maasdam began her coffee career in 2005 when she became a barista for MobiCcino, a Dutch coffee company. She soon developed a love for the craft and spent the next several years perfecting her skills and attained her SCAE Barista level 1 and 2 certifications. In 2009, Esther began competing professionally in latte art competitions around the world. Her talents and skills were recognized when she was named the Dutch Latte Art Champion in 2011 2012, 2013 and 2014. She also placed 5th in the World Latte Art Champion ship in 2013. Since 2014 in Netherlands,  Esther provides high-quality coffee services and barista courses at her own company as SCAE Authorized Trainer

Le Meridien has appointed Esther Maasdam as the Global Latte Artist who will create 12 destination inspired latte art designs.

When I got an opportunity to meet with Esther Massdam, I did not want to miss it. I was curious to know how this renowned Latte Art champion unlocks destinations via coffee. So here is the glimpse of-

Interaction with Esther Maasdam

Le Meridien Latte Coffee art by Esther Maasdam

Q1.)How did Latte Art happen to you?

Ten years ago when I started, Latte Art was not a big thing. I saw this guy at the coffee shop who would create this art and I used to serve to people who would be so happy at the sight of art in coffee. I always used to get fascinated by this. So, I started learning this art. In 2009, I started going to Latte Art competition. In competitions, you get  highly innovative and creative champions from all over the world. I got to share and learn a lot in those competitions. After a while company Daloa Corte organized a camp for all Baristas which took me off. I wanted to bridge the gap between the Barista and guests by giving them not just coffee but an experience.

Q2.) I have read few lines from you – ” Le Meridien encourages its guests to unlock each destination via locally inspired programming and cuisine with an eye for the arts. Merging my work in Latte Art with the inspiration that travel naturally brings is an exciting and unique challenge”. I have next three questions from this statement of yours.

Esther Maasdam making a flower on the Latte Coffee

How do you unlock a destination to guests via Latte Art in the coffee?

In today’s world with such a globalization, if you want, you can go to same hotels/restaurants eat and drink same food. Le Meridien not only wants you to experience Le Meridien but also to experience the destination in food. The experience of destination if happens via food, it is phenomenal. It is so beautiful if it happens through coffee. When I put local designs in the coffee reflecting the culture or prominent specialities of that destination, it becomes a remembrance in their mind which leaves a strong impression and relation with the coffee.

Q3.)Which all destinations you have unlocked via Latte Art?

In October, kick off events in Vienna happened. Its a country of old coffee houses. Then, I went to Budapest which is a beautiful old city. India is a wonderful country. There are many more on cards.

Beautiful flower created by Esther Maasdam at Le Meridien Art fair

Q4.) What are the challenges you face while unlocking these destinations?

Like in India for example, people drink hot milk. But, the Latte art can be sustained at a lower temperature so the coffee would not be as hot. So, people have to be explained about that. In Ethiopia coffee is made by grinding the beans and boiling them four times which makes it very bitter.It can never be my flavour. So, its hard sometimes to enjoy the flavour. But of course Latte art helped me bridge that gap.

Q5.) What are the technical aspects of Latte to be able to sustain the art on it?

It should be a good espresso. If the coffee is old then colour would be a problem, sufficient oils would not be release from coffee. Coffee should be brewed properly. Milk should be full fat milk. When the coffee comes down at a lower temperature, that is the moment for it to sustain the art on it.

Q6.) You work with Le Meridien Baristas to develop local recipes and designs, how do you inspire them?

I love helping Baristas in the work as I recognize myself in them as a Barista. They have a lot of enthusiasm. Inspiration walks in with passion. They all are passionate about making the art and when they see how Latte art make people smile, they get inspired.

Q7.) How do you want to inspire the world with Latte Art?

Peacock created by Esther Maasdam

I put up new Latte Art on social media. I answer any queries that come my way. People send me photos of Latte Art. I also help Baristas geting placed. I go to any coffee shop and we start the conversation, I sometimes see myself behind the machine creating designs, training Baristas. I do not charge for any of these.

I also taught coffee courses at a local roaster and studied Roasting, Milk Chemistry and Brew Chemistry at the London School of Coffee.

Q8.) Who is your role model?

I am very fond of sports and like sports celebrities because of their hard work and persistence. I want to reach a time in life where I am able to focus on other people who can change their lives in more positive way. There is an association called ‘Doctors without borders’ that is going beyond limits to cure the Ebola disease in South Africa. I get inspired by these people who go over and beyond having fire in the belly to just get things done.

Nidhi KM with Esther Maasdam

Thank you Esther for your time today. It was a pleasure meeting you.

Photographs of Latte Art are courtesy Le Meridien at India Art fair organized by Le Meridien

Nidhi KM

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